The soccer world has poured in tributes for Christian Atsu who was found dead under rubble in the aftermath of the deadly earthquakes in Turkey and Syria.
On February 6, a devastating earthquake with a magnitude of 7.8 hit Turkey and Syria near the border. More than 46,000 people have been confirmed to be dead and many more have been injured. Many are still reported to be under the rubble of destroyed buildings, trapped and waiting for help.
Christian Atsu, a Ghanaian who plays as a forward for Turkish soccer club Hatayspor, and Hatayspor’s Sporting Director Taner Savut were both reported to still be under the rubble. He was since then not found. Before major news outlets had reported that the player was found and received hospital treatment, though it had been revealed as fake news.
The Ghanaian’s body was pulled under the rubble of the building where he used to live in Hatay in the south of Turkey. He was found 12 days after the earthquake amid various attempts to rescue him. His agent Murat Uzunmehmet confirmed this information in a statement.
The statement said, “Atsu’s lifeless body was found under the rubble. Currently, more items are still being taken out. His phone was also found.”
Just hours before the earthquake, Atsu scored the winning goal for his club in a 1-0 match against Kasimpasa.
The 31-year-old Ghanaian had joined Chelsea in 2013 but had been a loanee to Everton and Bournemouth. He then joined Newcastle in 2017.
A lot of soccer personalities have written messages of tribute while fans have also shown tribute to the Ghanaian in their way.
The Premier League wrote, “We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria. Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian’s family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event.”
We are deeply saddened by the news Christian Atsu lost his life in the devastation of the earthquakes that have hit Turkey and Syria.
— Premier League (@premierleague) February 18, 2023
Our thoughts and condolences are with Christian's family and friends and everyone affected by this tragic event. pic.twitter.com/GLqXdd80Xl
Chelsea displayed a photo of the player during their match against Southampton and had a minute’s applause for him.
You're in our thoughts, Christian. 💙 pic.twitter.com/A5g55dGeVs
— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) February 18, 2023
Everton wrote, “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and colleagues at Hayatspor and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.” The stadium held a minute of applause during their game against Leeds United and the player also wore black bands a tribute.
We are deeply saddened by today's news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.
— Everton (@Everton) February 18, 2023
Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives. pic.twitter.com/W3mWlMcAuf
Newcastle and Liverpool also held a minute’s applause for the player. Fans were also seen chanting his name outside the stadium before the game. Christian Atsu’s wife and two kids were also in the stands and were visibly moved by the tributes.
Newcastle and Liverpool pay tribute to Christian Atsu, who tragically lost his life in the devastating earthquakes in Turkey. pic.twitter.com/u3B7A5OCXX
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 18, 2023
FC Porto and Rio Ave also paid a special tribute to Atsu before their match by displaying jerseys of the clubs with the player’s name.
FC Porto and Rio Ave paid tribute to Christian Atsu ahead of their match ❤️ pic.twitter.com/XRQwAQdwLJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) February 19, 2023
Liverpool and Newcastle paid tribute to 🇬🇭Christian Atsu but it's the shot of his wife and kids that will break you💔💔😢😢pic.twitter.com/SGxNhWsV7L
— George Addo Jnr (@addojunr) February 18, 2023
Christian Atsu will forever be remembered by the soccer world. The soccer world once again reunited to pay respects to the now fallen soccer star.
